JAKARTA REFERENCE

Books are still being held as the traditional source of knowledge, In internet-survy generation we live in. With knowledge comes power and hence, it is not surprising to find bookstores packed with people over the weekend.

Booklovers, you can either going library or nowadays in Jakarta there are comfortable libraries with cafe and soft music or going bookstores.

There are a couple of bookstores in Jakarta you can pop by over the weekend for a good read.

For the latest magazine and self-help books, Times bookstore has it all.

A franchise of the Times Bookstore in Singapore , the concept is practical with not many fuss or frills. Most of the books sold here are best sellers or considerably popular ones. Located in large and accessible shopping malls such as Plaza Indonesia or Pondok Indah mall, there is no reason for a dull weekend.

Those preferring to have a good read over a cup of coffee may consider QB World Books which has a café situated inside the store for customers to lounge in while reading. It also has a music store with the collection ranging from Jazz to Classic, and an art gallery featuring global artists. For the busy executives who need to stay connected, there is the Wi-Fi service available to work and at the same time, relax with some light food from the café. For such indulgence, head down to the QB Bookstores in Kemang, Plaza Semanggi and Plaza Senayan.

On the other side of the fence is the Aksara Bookstore catering to a more dynamic and artistic crowd. This bookstore is a haven for those seeking a number of whimsical literatures and eccentric manuals ranging from contemporary novels, designer books to music-related books.

Aksara is also a hangout for aspiring young musicians, with a decent music shop selling contemporary and vintage records, including vinyl ones. At the back of the bookstore lies the small café, often used as a meeting place and also a good place to work with your notebook despite the sparse lighting. Venture down to Kemang and Cilandak Town Square for the Aksara experience.

For the latest Japanese literatures and magazine, look no further than the Kinokuniya Bookstore from Japan , found in Sogo Department stores at Plaza Indonesia and Plaza Senayan. Stocks of manga (Japanese Comic), heavy political novels, collection of children books and biographies are aplenty here.

Amongst the bookstores, one can feel the most at ease at Aksara Bookstore and QB World Books. You can read to your heart's content and no one would hassle you or coerce you to buy the book you are reading. In fact, they actually conducive areas for reading, a relief from the other bookstores in Jakarta where you feel the scrutiny from the staff while you're flipping through the pages.